PlayStation’s latest software update for the PS5 does more than add a few new features, as the update brings some additional changes that have nearly broken the use of a third-party controller emulator, the Cronus Zen.

Online Multiplayer Just Became A Bit Safer On PS5

Whether this is intentional or not, the latest PS5 software update 24.01-08.60 has seemingly rendered Cronus Zen nearly broken on the PS5, as reports from Zen users have started to flood in. 

In a follow-up response to those reports, a game pack developer for Cronus on the official Cronus Zen community forums confirmed that the latest update breaks nearly all capabilities when it comes to PS5-specific versions of games. 

“Did you update the PS5 firmware? If so the team is working on a fix.” The dev said.

Reports on the forums and from a few scripting Discord channels have users confirming this exact thing, with a majority saying that the controller works for a second and then turns off. The Cronus website has also been updated, and users are being warned of the update.

While the PS5 software update does combat the use of Cronus Zen, from the details provided by the developer and other users, it doesn’t block the emulator device completely, as PS4-specific versions of games still work with the device with a certain setup. It also works with remote play still.

We aren’t sure if this specifically only affects Cronus devices or if the changes affect its competitor, the XIM, or any third-party controllers. 

Considering the Cronus Zen still works to some compacity on the PS5, outside of PS5 games, we’d guess that isn’t the case with other controllers. 

We’ll continue to keep tabs on those devices as the story develops. 

What Is Cronus Zen? What Makes It A Cheater’s Device?

On paper, the Cronus Zen is a third-party peripheral that emulates one controller to another. This allows essentially cross-platform usage for controllers. For example, a user could use an Xbox controller on a PS5 console and vice-versa. This is all done on a hardware level, emulating a controller to match a platform.

It sounds harmless at first, but it’s something else the Cronus Zen comes loaded with. You see, the Cronus Zen also allows users to run custom scripting and macros. These features have called for the device’s ban, as many feel they offer an upper hand in online multiplayer.

Specifically, Call of Duty and other first-person shooters, where Cronus Zen users take single firing modes and turn weapons into full automatics via rapid firing modes offered on the device. In many games, the single-firing mode deals slightly more damage than the full auto mode. Pistols, shotguns, and other non-automatics can also be turned into fully automatic. 

Other scripts and macros are available, such as those to help with recoil and aim assist. 

🌴 script nightmare for warzone 2 cronusmax or cronus zen with Aim abuse, Aim assist, Rapid Fire, drop shot among others get your script with us getting more kills and performance in matches 🌴#Warzone2 #warzoneclips #PS5 #EstadosUnidos pic.twitter.com/Wg57AhHDm5

— kiosk script (@kiosk_scripts) February 20, 2023

Nice Cronus under your monitor buddy 🤓 https://t.co/ppUlhE45La

— ModernWarzone (@ModernWarzone) January 5, 2024

Of course, not everyone uses the device to cheat, but it’s hard to get past that aspect when it’s so readily available on the device.

Bad News For Accessibility

As mentioned, not everyone uses the Cronus Zen and other devices like it to cheat. A large market of gamers use it solely for accessibility reasons, allowing them to use a controller that would better suit their needs. 

Xbox and PlayStation have their accessibility controllers, but some may prefer one over the other. The means to get those controllers working on these platforms has always come through third-party devices such as Cronus. 

With the Cronus being disabled for PS5-specific games, those using such devices for this reason will now be locked out until Cronus fixes it.

But for How Long Will the Cronus Zen Stop Working on the PS5?

It’s hard to say, as the developers behind it have already said they’re working on a fix. 

But for PlayStation, combating cheaters and hackers has been an uphill battle for them for the last decade. Their consoles receive numerous stability updates, which, behind the scenes, are typically related to fixing console exploits. Save editor tools on the PS4 is one thing PlayStation has actively been combating, and yet, time and time again, those tools manage to find a way to circumvent security measures. 

So, for how long is anyone’s guess, but for now, you can enjoy knowing that online multiplayer is a little safer for the time being.